Chmelevski nets Bobby Smith Award

Chmelevski was named recipient of the Bobby Smith Trophy as Ontario Hockey League Scholastic Player of the Year after achieving a 90 percent average cross six Grade 12 courses. He studied British Literature, Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Anatomy and Physiology, Probability and Statistics, Psychology, and Physical Education through Michigan’s Virtual Charter Academy.

“I’m very humbled and honoured to win the Bobby Smith Award,” Chmelevski said in a release. “I would like to thank my family, my school and teachers, our academic advisor and the Ottawa 67’s organization for allowing me to receive an education while playing hockey.”

Chmelevski scored 21 goals and 22 assists for 43 points in 58 games played as a rookie with the Ottawa 67’s.

“Few players can manage to work as independently as Sasha does with a regular daily schedule at home or on the road,” 67’s Academic Advisor Eileen Duffin said. “His post-secondary goals are lofty, as he investigates studying medicine or optometry, all dependent on his equally lofty hockey goals.”

Finalists for the award included fellow 2017 eligibles Alex Formenton of the London Knights and Nick Suzuki of the Owen Sound Attack.